Panthers nab Spencer Knight, while Matthew Boldy leads New England pack

Connecticut native Spencer Knight was the 13th overall pick, to the Florida Panthers, and the first goalie selected.

VANCOUVER — By the time the 2019 National Hockey League Entry Draft concluded, a player with New England ties could be seen all over the board.

The first one to be taken at this year’s event, which was held June 21-22 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, was left wing Matthew Boldy, who was selected 12th overall by the Minnesota Wild.

Boldy, a 6-foot-2, 196-pounder from Millis, Mass., totaled 81 points (33-48-81) in 64 games this past season with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Under-18 team.

He’s a creative skater with an excellent shot who’s especially dominant low in the offensive zone.